MLB Player News

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lazar will lose his place in the Phillies' bullpen after giving up three runs in four innings across three appearances since receiving a promotion to the majors July 7. Kyle Backhus was recalled from Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Phillies recalled Backhus from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Backhus has posted a 5.87 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 15.1 innings in the majors this season, but he'll return to Philadelphia to provide the big club with a fresh bullpen arm. Max Lazar was sent down to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Phillies transferred Banks (forearm) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Banks landed on the injured list July 9 with a strained left forearm, and his move to the 60-day IL will officially rule him out until at least Sept. 7. He'll give up his place on the 40-man roster to Brian Keller, who was activated to work as a bulk reliever Saturday against the Yankees.

Mayza will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Mayza has given up seven earned runs in 3.1 innings across his last three appearances, but the Phillies will trust him to open Saturday's contest and set the stage for Brian Keller, who will be making his MLB debut as a bulk reliever.

The Phillies selected Keller's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley ahead of his scheduled appearance Saturday against the Yankees.

Keller, 32, will be making his MLB debut as a bulk reliever Saturday after posting a 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB across 36.1 innings at Lehigh Valley. Alex McFarlane and Max Lazar were sent down to Triple-A as part of a roster shuffle, and Tanner Banks (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot for Keller.

Gordon struck out two batters and allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk across 5.2 innings of relief in Sunday's 9-6 loss to the Reds.

After coming off the injured list June 30, Gordon made each of his three appearances as a starter prior to the All-Star break, logging a 6.60 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 15 innings across those outings. However, with Tomoyuki Sugano getting cleared to return from the IL to begin the second half, Gordon has since shifted back to the bullpen. He ended up mopping up Sunday behind started Ryan Feltner, who took the loss after being rocked for eight earned runs across 2.1 innings.

Santillan (oblique) threw out to 75 feet Friday and experienced no discomfort, MLB.com reports.

Santillan is scheduled for additional imaging on his left obique next Friday. He's been on the injured list since late June.

Hollowell was charged with an unearned run in the 10th inning Friday without allowing a hit or a walk, recording his first save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Pirates. He didn't strike out a batter.

The right-hander entered the game after the Cubs took a 3-1 lead in the top of the 10th, and while Hollowell couldn't stop the phantom runner from coming around to score, the Bucs didn't get anyone else on base. Jacob Webb had worked the eighth inning and Caleb Thielbar the ninth, but Hollowell could be positioning himself for more high-leverage work. Since rejoining the big-league roster in late June, he's delivered a 0.00 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 8.2 innings.

Drohan (5-4) took the loss Friday as the Brewers fell 5-2 to the Rockies, giving up five runs on six hits and two walks over six-plus innings. He struck out six.

While he was able to keep the ball in the park, three of the six hits off Drohan went for extra bases, helping to put Milwaukee in an early hole the offense couldn't climb out of. It was the first time all season that the southpaw had been tagged for more than four runs in an outing, and while Drohan has lasted at least six innings in four straight starts, his 4.44 ERA during that span is a little less impressive than his 1.11 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB over 24.1 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next trip to the mound, which is set to come on the road next week in San Francisco.

Romano gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Brewers.

The right-hander is now 4-for-4 in converting save chances for Colorado since being added to the big-league roster in early July, and his 1.35 ERA is a massive improvement on the 10.13 mark he produced with the Angels over 11 appearances to begin the campaign. Romano's 1.50 WHIP and 5.4 BB/9 in 6.2 innings with the Rockies suggest that turnaround is likely a mirage, however. As long as he's able to keep closing the door in the ninth inning, Romano should remain the top closing option for his new team, but he should still be viewed as a very volatile fantasy play.